Conclusions
This investigation concludes a geo-ecological post natal cranial signal in small African Pangolin ontogeny from three geographical locations in Nigeria. Based on sampled population results we confirm directional asymmetry (DA) in SAP skulls with right side biased ‘handedness, a mild to moderate fluctuating asymmetry (FA) exist in the species population evaluated irrespective of location. It was observed that there is strong foramen magnum outline shape consistency and developmental stability devoid of congenital malformations such as dorsal and ventral notches with less likelihood of neurological disorders. The findings of this study revealed the peculiar skull morphology and intraspecific morphotypes present in Nigeria, it further demonstrated developmental fragility in the species with a view to formulate conservatory and preservation policies for its protection. Finally, evolutionary pattern in SAP as shown in the study showed its relation to dynamic developmental phenotypes in different environments and worthy of note in systematic skull characterization.